Medical sheath assembly

ABSTRACT

A medical sheath assembly is configured to be positioned in a patient, and is also configured to convey, at least in part, an electromagnetic-transmission signal through the medical sheath assembly. The medical sheath assembly includes a sheath-support component being sympathetic, at least in part, for transmission of electromagnetic energy traveling through the sheath-support component, dispatched toward, or dispatched away from, the medical sheath assembly.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document relates to the technical field of (and is not limited to)(A) a medical sheath assembly including a sheath-support component,and/or method therefor, and/or (B) an electro-anatomical mapping system,a sensor assembly, and a medical sheath assembly including asheath-support component, and/or method therefor.

BACKGROUND

In medicine, a catheter, or sheath, is a thin tube made from medicalgrade materials serving a broad range of functions. Catheters aremedical devices that can be inserted (at least in part) into the body totreat diseases or perform a surgical procedure.

SUMMARY

It will be appreciated that there exists a need to mitigate (at least inpart) at least one problem associated with the existing or known sheathassemblies (also called the existing technology). After much study of,and experimentation with, the existing or known sheath assemblies, anunderstanding (at least in part) of the problem and its solution havebeen identified (at least in part) and are articulated (at least inpart) as follows:

Cardiac catheterization is a procedure to examine how well your heart isworking. A thin, hollow tube called a catheter is inserted (at least inpart) into a large blood vessel that leads to the heart of a patient. Acardiac catheter provides information on how well the heart works,identifies problems and allows for procedures to open blocked arteries,etc. A doctor may make a needle puncture through the skin and into alarge blood vessel. A small straw-sized tube (such as, a sheath assemblyor a catheter assembly) may be inserted (at least in part) into thevessel of a patient. The doctor may (gently) guide a catheter assembly(a long, thin tube) into the vessel through the sheath assembly. A videoscreen may show the position of the catheter assembly as the catheterassembly is threaded through the major blood vessels and to the heart ofthe patient.

For instance, electro-anatomical mapping (EAM) systems are configured toenable real-time (near real-time) visualization (three-dimensional or3D) of intravascular catheters in the heart without exposure toradiation. In the case of EAM systems using electromagnetic fields,sensor coils (positioned to a catheter) are configured to receiveelectromagnetic signals from fixed sources positioned outside the body(of the patient) to triangulate the position of the medical assembly(such as a sheath assembly, etc.). However, for the case where acatheter is positioned inside a sheath assembly (in which the sheathassembly is braided with metal), the coil (sensor) becomes shielded from(and prevented from receiving) a signal transmitted form theelectro-anatomical mapping (EAM) system. It may be appreciated that mostmetallic surfaces tend to interfere with the transmission ofelectromagnetic energy (such as radio frequency fields, etc.).

To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with theexisting technology, there is provided (in accordance with a majoraspect) an apparatus. The apparatus includes and is not limited to(comprises) a medical sheath assembly configured to be positioned in apatient. The medical sheath assembly is also configured to convey, atleast in part, an electromagnetic-transmission signal through themedical sheath assembly. The medical sheath assembly includes asheath-support component. Preferably, the sheath-support component doesnot interfere (in a significant way) with the transmission (conveyance)of electromagnetic energy traveling through the medical sheath assembly.Preferably, the sheath-support component is sympathetic (compatible,permissible), at least in part, for transmission (conveyance) ofelectromagnetic energy traveling (moving) through the sheath-supportcomponent, dispatched toward, or dispatched away from, the medicalsheath assembly.

To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with theexisting technology, there is provided (in accordance with a majoraspect) an apparatus. The apparatus is for use with a sensor assemblyconfigured to receive an electromagnetic-transmission signal emanatingfrom an electro-anatomical mapping system. The sensor assembly is alsoconfigured to transmit a detected signal back to the electro-anatomicalmapping system. The apparatus includes and is not limited to (comprises)a medical sheath assembly. The medical sheath assembly is configured tobe positioned in a patient. The medical sheath assembly is alsoconfigured to receive the sensor assembly therein. The medical sheathassembly is also configured to convey, at least in part, theelectromagnetic-transmission signal emanating from theelectro-anatomical mapping system toward the sensor assembly positionedwithin the medical sheath assembly. The medical sheath assembly includesa sheath-support component. Preferably, the sheath-support componentdoes not interfere (in a significant way) with the transmission(conveyance) of electromagnetic energy traveling through the medicalsheath assembly. Preferably, the sheath-support component is sympathetic(compatible), at least in part, for transmission (conveyance) ofelectromagnetic energy traveling (moving) through the sheath-supportcomponent, dispatched toward, or dispatched away from, the medicalsheath assembly.

To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with theexisting technology, there is provided (in accordance with a majoraspect) an apparatus. The apparatus includes and is not limited to(comprises) an electro-anatomical mapping system configured to transmitan electromagnetic-transmission signal. A sensor assembly is configuredto receive the electromagnetic-transmission signal emanating from theelectro-anatomical mapping system. The sensor assembly is alsoconfigured to transmit a detected signal back to the electro-anatomicalmapping system. A medical sheath assembly is configured to be positionedin a patient. The medical sheath assembly is also configured to receivethe sensor assembly therein. The medical sheath assembly is alsoconfigured to convey, at least in part, the electromagnetic-transmissionsignal emanating from the electro-anatomical mapping system toward thesensor assembly positioned within the medical sheath assembly. Themedical sheath assembly includes a sheath-support component. Preferably,the sheath-support component does not interfere (in a significant way)with the transmission (conveyance) of electromagnetic energy travelingthrough the medical sheath assembly. Preferably, the sheath-supportcomponent is sympathetic (compatible), at least in part, fortransmission (conveyance) of electromagnetic energy traveling (moving)through the sheath-support component, dispatched toward, or dispatchedaway from, the medical sheath assembly.

To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with theexisting technology, there is provided (in accordance with a majoraspect) an apparatus. The apparatus is for use with anelectro-anatomical mapping system configured to transmit anelectromagnetic-transmission signal to a sensor assembly. The sensorassembly is configured to transmit a detected signal back to theelectro-anatomical mapping system, in response to the sensor assembly,in use, receiving, and interacting with, electromagnetic-transmissionsignal emanating from the electro-anatomical mapping system. Theapparatus includes and is not limited to (comprises) a medical sheathassembly configured to be positioned in a patient. The medical sheathassembly defines a lumen extending, at least in part, therealong. Thelumen is configured to receive the sensor assembly therein. The lumen isalso configured to permit movement of the sensor assembly along, atleast in part, a length of the lumen. The medical sheath assembly isconfigured to convey, at least in part, the electromagnetic-transmissionsignal emanating from the electro-anatomical mapping system through, atleast in part, the medical sheath assembly, and toward the sensorassembly positioned within the lumen. This is done in such a way thatthe medical sheath assembly permits the sensor assembly to transmit thedetected signal back to the electro-anatomical mapping system. Themedical sheath assembly includes a sheath-support component. Preferably,the sheath-support component does not interfere (in a significant way)with the transmission (conveyance) of electromagnetic energy travelingthrough the medical sheath assembly. Preferably, the sheath-supportcomponent is sympathetic (compatible), at least in part, fortransmission (conveyance) of electromagnetic energy traveling (moving)through the sheath-support component, dispatched toward, or dispatchedaway from, the medical sheath assembly.

To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with theexisting technology, there is provided (in accordance with a majoraspect) an apparatus. The apparatus includes and is not limited to(comprises) an electro-anatomical mapping system configured to transmitan electromagnetic-transmission signal. A sensor assembly is configuredto receive the electromagnetic-transmission signal emanating from theelectro-anatomical mapping system. The sensor assembly is alsoconfigured to transmit a detected signal back to the electro-anatomicalmapping system, in response to the sensor assembly, in use, receiving,and interacting with, electromagnetic-transmission signal provided bythe electro-anatomical mapping system. The apparatus includes and is notlimited to (comprises) a medical sheath assembly configured to bepositioned in a patient. The medical sheath assembly defines a lumenextending, at least in part, therealong. The lumen is configured toreceive the sensor assembly therein. The lumen is also configured topermit movement of the sensor assembly along, at least in part, a lengthof the lumen. The medical sheath assembly is configured to convey, atleast in part, the electromagnetic-transmission signal emanating fromthe electro-anatomical mapping system through, at least in part, themedical sheath assembly, and toward the sensor assembly positionedwithin the lumen. This is done in such a way that the medical sheathassembly permits the sensor assembly to transmit the detected signalback to the electro-anatomical mapping system. The medical sheathassembly includes a sheath-support component.

Preferably, the sheath-support component does not interfere (in asignificant way) with the transmission (conveyance) of electromagneticenergy traveling through the medical sheath assembly. Preferably, thesheath-support component is sympathetic (compatible), at least in part,for transmission (conveyance) of electromagnetic energy traveling(moving) through the sheath-support component, dispatched toward, ordispatched away from, the medical sheath assembly.

To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with theexisting technology, there is provided (in accordance with a majoraspect) a method. The method is for utilizing an electro-anatomicalmapping system. The method includes and is not limited to (comprises)operation (A) including utilizing the electro-anatomical mapping systemto transmit an electromagnetic-transmission signal. The method alsoincludes operation (B) including utilizing a sensor assembly to receivethe electromagnetic-transmission signal emanating from theelectro-anatomical mapping system. The method also includes operation(C) including utilizing the sensor assembly to transmit a detectedsignal back to the electro-anatomical mapping system, in response to thesensor assembly, in use, receiving, and interacting with,electromagnetic-transmission signal provided by the electro-anatomicalmapping system. The method also includes operation (D) includingpositioning a medical sheath assembly in a patient, in which the medicalsheath assembly defines a lumen extending, at least in part, therealong,and in which the lumen is configured to receive the sensor assemblytherein, and in which the lumen is also configured to permit movement ofthe sensor assembly along, at least in part, a length of the lumen. Themethod also includes operation (E) including utilizing the medicalsheath assembly to convey, at least in part, theelectromagnetic-transmission signal emanating from theelectro-anatomical mapping system through, at least in part, the medicalsheath assembly, and toward the sensor assembly positioned within thelumen (this is done in such a way that the medical sheath assemblypermits the sensor assembly to transmit the detected signal back to theelectro-anatomical mapping system, in which the medical sheath assemblyincludes a sheath-support component positioned to the medical sheathassembly, and in which the sheath-support component is configured tosupport, at least in part, an attribute of the medical sheath assembly).The method also includes operation (F) including utilizing thesheath-support component to convey, at least in part, theelectromagnetic-transmission signal emanating from theelectro-anatomical mapping system through, at least in part, thesheath-support component, and toward the sensor assembly positionedwithin the lumen in such a way that the sheath-support component permitsthe sensor assembly to transmit the detected signal back to theelectro-anatomical mapping system. Preferably, the sheath-supportcomponent does not interfere (in a significant way) with thetransmission (conveyance) of electromagnetic energy traveling throughthe medical sheath assembly. Preferably, the sheath-support component issympathetic (compatible), at least in part, for transmission(conveyance) of electromagnetic energy traveling (moving) through thesheath-support component, dispatched toward, or dispatched away from,the medical sheath assembly.

Other aspects are identified in the claims. Other aspects and featuresof the non-limiting embodiments may now become apparent to those skilledin the art upon review of the following detailed description of thenon-limiting embodiments with the accompanying drawings. This Summary isprovided to introduce concepts in simplified form that are furtherdescribed below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is notintended to identify potentially key features or possible essentialfeatures of the disclosed subject matter, and is not intended todescribe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of thedisclosed subject matter. Many other novel advantages, features, andrelationships will become apparent as this description proceeds. Thefigures and the description that follow more particularly exemplifyillustrative embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The non-limiting embodiments may be more fully appreciated by referenceto the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodimentswhen taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a schematic view of a medical sheath assembly; and

FIG. 2 depicts a close-up side view of the medical sheath assembly ofFIG. 1.

The drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be illustrated byphantom lines, diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. Incertain instances, details unnecessary for an understanding of theembodiments (and/or details that render other details difficult toperceive) may have been omitted. Corresponding reference charactersindicate corresponding components throughout the several figures of thedrawings. Elements in the several figures are illustrated for simplicityand clarity and have not been drawn to scale. The dimensions of some ofthe elements in the figures may be emphasized relative to other elementsfor facilitating an understanding of the various disclosed embodiments.In addition, common, and well-understood, elements that are useful incommercially feasible embodiments are often not depicted to provide aless obstructed view of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

LISTING OF REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN THE DRAWINGS

-   -   medical sheath assembly 102    -   lumen 104    -   sheath-support component 106    -   distal tip portion 108    -   patient 800    -   sensor assembly 900    -   electro-anatomical mapping system 902    -   sensor-interface system 904    -   biological wall 906    -   medical device 908

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENT(S)

The following detailed description is merely exemplary and is notintended to limit the described embodiments or the application and usesof the described embodiments. As used, the word “exemplary” or“illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.”Any implementation described as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is notnecessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over otherimplementations. All of the implementations described below areexemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the artto make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended tolimit the scope of the disclosure. The scope of the disclosure isdefined by the claims. For the description, the terms “upper,” “lower,”“left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” andderivatives thereof shall relate to the examples as oriented in thedrawings. There is no intention to be bound by any expressed or impliedtheory in the preceding Technical Field, Background, Summary or thefollowing detailed description. It is also to be understood that thedevices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, anddescribed in the following specification, are exemplary embodiments(examples), aspects and/or concepts defined in the appended claims.Hence, dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to theembodiments disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unless theclaims expressly state otherwise. It is understood that the phrase “atleast one” is equivalent to “a”. The aspects (examples, alterations,modifications, options, variations, embodiments and any equivalentthereof) are described regarding the drawings. It should be understoodthat the disclosure is limited to the subject matter provided by theclaims, and that the disclosure is not limited to the particular aspectsdepicted and described. It will be appreciated that the scope of themeaning of a device configured to be coupled to an item (that is, to beconnected to, to interact with the item, etc.) is to be interpreted asthe device being configured to be coupled to the item, either directlyor indirectly. Therefore, “configured to” may include the meaning“either directly or indirectly” unless specifically stated otherwise.

FIG. 1 depicts a schematic view of a medical sheath assembly 102.

FIG. 2 depicts a close-up side view of the medical sheath assembly 102of FIG. 1.

Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 1, an electro-anatomicalmapping system 902 is depicted. The electro-anatomical mapping system902 may include any type of medical signal-measurement system configuredto detect (view) any type of medical procedure, medical signal-analysissystem, an electromagnetic medical system, an electro-anatomicnonfluoroscopic mapping system, a dielectric imaging system, and/or anytype of medical imaging-system (that is, any type of medicalimaging-system configured to exchange electromagnetic-transmissionsignals as an arrangement for interacting with a medical device, such asa sheath assembly), etc., and any equivalent thereof (whetherimplemented for three-dimensional (3D) viewing and/or two-dimensional(2D) viewing). The electro-anatomical mapping system 902 is configuredto be electrically connectable (selectively electrically connectable,coupled) to a sensor-interface system 904 configured to transmit asignal (also called an electromagnetic-transmission signal) to a sensorassembly 900 positioned in a patient 800. The definition of“electrically connected” includes electromagnetically connected,magnetically connected, acoustically connected, photonically connected,etc. The sensor-interface system 904 is configured toelectromagnetically communicate (interact) with the sensor assembly 900(also called a receive sensor, etc.). For instance, the sensor-interfacesystem 904 is configured to exchange (receive and/or transmit) signals(information) with the sensor assembly 900. The exchange of signals mayinclude having the sensor-interface system 904 transmit a signal to thesensor assembly 900 and/or receive a signal from the sensor assembly900.

Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a medicalsheath assembly 102 is configured to be positioned in a patient 800. Themedical sheath assembly 102 is also configured to convey (permit thepassage of), at least in part, an electromagnetic-transmission signalthrough the medical sheath assembly 102. The medical sheath assembly 102includes a sheath-support component 106 (which is depicted in theembodiment of FIG. 2). The sheath-support component 106 is (preferably)configured to convey (permit the passage of), at least in part, theelectromagnetic-transmission signal through the sheath-support component106. Preferably, the sheath-support component 106 does not interfere (ina significant way) with the transmission (conveyance) of electromagneticenergy traveling through the medical sheath assembly 102. Preferably,the sheath-support component 106 is sympathetic (compatible), at leastin part, for transmission (conveyance) of electromagnetic energytraveling (moving) through the sheath-support component 106, dispatchedtoward, or dispatched away from, the medical sheath assembly 102. Atechnical result of this arrangement is that the electromagnetic energy(which travels (moves) through the sheath-support component 106) may betransmitted from, and/or received by, the electro-anatomical mappingsystem 902 (as depicted in FIG. 1).

Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, themedical sheath assembly 102 includes (preferably) biocompatible materialproperties suitable for sufficient performance properties (dielectricstrength, thermal performance, insulation and corrosion, water and heatresistance) for safe performance to comply with industrial andregulatory safety standards (or compatible for medical usage). Referenceis made to the following publication for consideration in the selectionof a suitable material: Plastics in Medical Devices: Properties,Requirements, and Applications; 2nd Edition; author: Vinny R. Sastri;hardcover ISBN: 9781455732012; published: 21 Nov. 2013; publisher:Amsterdam [Pays-Bas]: Elsevier/William Andrew, [2014].

Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a sensorassembly 900 is configured to receive an electromagnetic-transmissionsignal emanating from an electro-anatomical mapping system 902. Thesensor assembly 900 is also configured to transmit a detected signalback to the electro-anatomical mapping system 902. A medical sheathassembly 102 is configured to be positioned in a patient 800. Themedical sheath assembly 102 is also configured to receive the sensorassembly 900 therein. The medical sheath assembly 102 is also configuredto convey (permit the passage of), at least in part, theelectromagnetic-transmission signal emanating from theelectro-anatomical mapping system 902 toward the sensor assembly 900positioned within the medical sheath assembly 102. The medical sheathassembly 102 includes a sheath-support component 106. The sheath-supportcomponent 106 is (preferably configured to support (provide improvementfor structural strength, stiffness), at least in part, an attribute(structural strength, stiffness) of the medical sheath assembly 102. Forinstance, the sheath-support component 106 is configured to provideimprovement for structural strength of the medical sheath assembly 102.The sheath-support component 106 is (preferably) configured to convey(permit the passage of), at least in part, theelectromagnetic-transmission signal emanating from theelectro-anatomical mapping system 902 through the sheath-supportcomponent 106 and toward the sensor assembly 900 positioned within themedical sheath assembly 102. Preferably, the sheath-support component106 does not interfere (in a significant way) with the transmission(conveyance) of electromagnetic energy traveling through the medicalsheath assembly 102. Preferably, the sheath-support component 106 issympathetic (compatible), at least in part, for transmission(conveyance) of electromagnetic energy traveling (moving) through thesheath-support component 106, dispatched toward, or dispatched awayfrom, the medical sheath assembly 102. A technical result of thisarrangement is that the electromagnetic energy (which travels (moves)through the sheath-support component 106) may be transmitted from,and/or received by, the electro-anatomical mapping system 902 (asdepicted in FIG. 1).

Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, anelectro-anatomical mapping system 902 is configured to transmit anelectromagnetic-transmission signal. A sensor assembly 900 is configuredto receive the electromagnetic-transmission signal emanating from theelectro-anatomical mapping system 902. The sensor assembly 900 is alsoconfigured to transmit a detected signal back to the electro-anatomicalmapping system 902. A medical sheath assembly 102 is configured to bepositioned in a patient 800 (as depicted in FIG. 1). The medical sheathassembly 102 is also configured to receive the sensor assembly 900therein. The medical sheath assembly 102 is also configured to convey(permit the passage of), at least in part, theelectromagnetic-transmission signal emanating from theelectro-anatomical mapping system 902 toward the sensor assembly 900positioned within the medical sheath assembly 102. A medical sheathassembly 102 includes a sheath-support component 106. The sheath-supportcomponent 106 is (preferably) configured to support (provide improvementfor structural strength, stiffness), at least in part, an attribute(structural strength, stiffness) of the medical sheath assembly 102. Thesheath-support component 106 is configured to convey (permit the passageof), at least in part, the electromagnetic-transmission signal emanatingfrom the electro-anatomical mapping system 902. The sheath-supportcomponent 106 is (preferably) configured to convey (permit the passageof), at least in part, the electromagnetic-transmission signal emanatingfrom the electro-anatomical mapping system 902 through thesheath-support component 106 toward the sensor assembly 900 positionedwithin the medical sheath assembly 102. Preferably, the sheath-supportcomponent 106 does not interfere (in a significant way) with thetransmission (conveyance) of electromagnetic energy traveling throughthe medical sheath assembly 102. Preferably, the sheath-supportcomponent 106 is sympathetic (compatible), at least in part, fortransmission (conveyance) of electromagnetic energy traveling (moving)through the sheath-support component 106, dispatched toward, ordispatched away from, the medical sheath assembly 102. A technicalresult of this arrangement is that the electromagnetic energy (whichtravels (moves) through the sheath-support component 106) may betransmitted from, and/or received by, the electro-anatomical mappingsystem 902 (as depicted in FIG. 1).

Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, anelectro-anatomical mapping system 902 is configured to transmit anelectromagnetic-transmission signal to a sensor assembly 900. The sensorassembly 900 is configured to transmit a detected signal back to theelectro-anatomical mapping system 902, in response to the sensorassembly 900, in use, receiving, and interacting with,electromagnetic-transmission signal emanating from theelectro-anatomical mapping system 902. A medical sheath assembly 102 isconfigured to be positioned in a patient 800. The medical sheathassembly 102 is (preferably) non-metallic, relatively flexible andelongated. The medical sheath assembly 102 defines a lumen 104extending, at least in part, therealong (along an elongated length ofthe medical sheath assembly 102). The lumen 104 is configured to receivethe sensor assembly 900 therein. The lumen 104 is also configured topermit movement of the sensor assembly 900 along, at least in part, alength of the lumen 104. The medical sheath assembly 102 is configuredto convey (permit the passage of), at least in part, theelectromagnetic-transmission signal emanating from theelectro-anatomical mapping system 902 through, at least in part, themedical sheath assembly 102, and toward the sensor assembly 900positioned within the lumen 104. This is done in such a way that themedical sheath assembly 102 permits the sensor assembly 900 to transmitthe detected signal back to the electro-anatomical mapping system 902.The medical sheath assembly 102 includes a sheath-support component 106.The sheath-support component 106 includes a braid assembly positioned tothe medical sheath assembly 102. The sheath-support component 106 isconfigured to support (provide improvement for structural strength,stiffness), at least in part, an attribute (structural strength,stiffness) of the medical sheath assembly 102. The sheath-supportcomponent 106 is configured to convey (permit the passage of), at leastin part, the electromagnetic-transmission signal emanating from theelectro-anatomical mapping system 902 through, at least in part, thesheath-support component 106. The sheath-support component 106 isconfigured to convey (permit the passage of), at least in part, theelectromagnetic-transmission signal emanating from theelectro-anatomical mapping system 902 through, at least in part, thesheath-support component 106, and toward the sensor assembly 900positioned within the lumen 104; this is done in such a way that thesheath-support component 106 permits the sensor assembly 900 to transmitthe detected signal back to the electro-anatomical mapping system 902.Preferably, the sheath-support component 106 does not interfere (in asignificant way) with the transmission (conveyance) of electromagneticenergy traveling through the medical sheath assembly 102. Preferably,the sheath-support component 106 is sympathetic (compatible), at leastin part, for transmission (conveyance) of electromagnetic energytraveling (moving) through the sheath-support component 106, dispatchedtoward, or dispatched away from, the medical sheath assembly 102. Atechnical result of this arrangement is that the electromagnetic energy(which travels (moves) through the sheath-support component 106) may betransmitted from, and/or received by, the electro-anatomical mappingsystem 902 (as depicted in FIG. 1).

Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, anelectro-anatomical mapping system 902 is configured to transmit anelectromagnetic-transmission signal. A sensor assembly 900 is configuredto receive the electromagnetic-transmission signal emanating from theelectro-anatomical mapping system 902. The sensor assembly 900 is alsoconfigured to transmit a detected signal back to the electro-anatomicalmapping system 902, in response to the sensor assembly 900, in use,receiving, and interacting with, electromagnetic-transmission signalprovided by the electro-anatomical mapping system 902. A medical sheathassembly 102 is configured to be positioned in a patient 800. Themedical sheath assembly 102 defines a lumen 104 extending, at least inpart, therealong. The lumen 104 is configured to receive the sensorassembly 900 therein. The lumen 104 is also configured to permitmovement of the sensor assembly 900 along, at least in part, a length ofthe lumen 104. The medical sheath assembly 102 is configured to convey(permit the passage of), at least in part, theelectromagnetic-transmission signal emanating from theelectro-anatomical mapping system 902 through, at least in part, themedical sheath assembly 102, and toward the sensor assembly 900positioned within the lumen 104 in such a way that the medical sheathassembly 102 permits the sensor assembly 900 to transmit the detectedsignal back to the electro-anatomical mapping system 902. The medicalsheath assembly 102 includes a sheath-support component 106. Thesheath-support component 106 is (preferably) positioned to (in or on)the medical sheath assembly 102. The sheath-support component 106 is(preferably) configured to support (provide improvement for structuralstrength, stiffness), at least in part, an attribute (structuralstrength, stiffness) of the medical sheath assembly 102. Thesheath-support component 106 is (preferably) configured to convey(permit the passage of), at least in part, theelectromagnetic-transmission signal. The sheath-support component 106 is(preferably) configured to convey (permit the passage of), at least inpart, the electromagnetic-transmission signal emanating from theelectro-anatomical mapping system 902 through, at least in part, thesheath-support component 106, and toward the sensor assembly 900positioned within the lumen 104 (this is done in such a way that thesheath-support component 106 permits the sensor assembly 900 to transmitthe detected signal back to the electro-anatomical mapping system 902).Preferably, the sheath-support component 106 does not interfere (in asignificant way) with the transmission (conveyance) of electromagneticenergy traveling through the medical sheath assembly 102. Preferably,the sheath-support component 106 is sympathetic (compatible), at leastin part, for transmission (conveyance) of electromagnetic energytraveling (moving) through the sheath-support component 106, dispatchedtoward, or dispatched away from, the medical sheath assembly 102. Atechnical result of this arrangement is that the electromagnetic energy(which travels (moves) through the sheath-support component 106) may betransmitted from, and/or received by, the electro-anatomical mappingsystem 902 (as depicted in FIG. 1).

Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, there isprovided a method of utilizing an electro-anatomical mapping system 902.The method includes utilizing the electro-anatomical mapping system 902to transmit an electromagnetic-transmission signal. The method alsoincludes utilizing a sensor assembly 900 to receive theelectromagnetic-transmission signal emanating from theelectro-anatomical mapping system 902. The method also includesutilizing the sensor assembly 900 to transmit a detected signal back tothe electro-anatomical mapping system 902, in response to the sensorassembly 900, in use, receiving, and interacting with,electromagnetic-transmission signal provided by the electro-anatomicalmapping system 902. The method also includes positioning a medicalsheath assembly 102 in a patient 800, in which the medical sheathassembly 102 defines a lumen 104 extending, at least in part,therealong, and in which the lumen 104 is configured to receive thesensor assembly 900 therein, and in which the lumen 104 is alsoconfigured to permit movement of the sensor assembly 900 along, at leastin part, a length of the lumen 104. The method also includes utilizingthe medical sheath assembly 102 to convey (permit the passage of), atleast in part, the electromagnetic-transmission signal emanating fromthe electro-anatomical mapping system 902 through, at least in part, themedical sheath assembly 102, and toward the sensor assembly 900positioned within the lumen 104 in such a way that the medical sheathassembly 102 permits the sensor assembly 900 to transmit the detectedsignal back to the electro-anatomical mapping system 902, in which themedical sheath assembly 102 includes a sheath-support component 106positioned to the medical sheath assembly 102, and in which thesheath-support component 106 is configured to support (such as, provideimprovement for structural strength and/or stiffness), at least in part,an attribute (such as structural strength and/or stiffness) of themedical sheath assembly 102. The method also includes utilizing thesheath-support component 106 to convey (permit the passage of), at leastin part, the electromagnetic-transmission signal emanating from theelectro-anatomical mapping system 902 through, at least in part, thesheath-support component 106, and toward the sensor assembly 900positioned within the lumen 104 (this is one in such a way that thesheath-support component 106 permits the sensor assembly 900 to transmitthe detected signal back to the electro-anatomical mapping system 902).Preferably, the sheath-support component 106 does not interfere (in asignificant way) with the transmission (conveyance) of electromagneticenergy traveling through the medical sheath assembly 102. Preferably,the sheath-support component 106 is sympathetic (compatible), at leastin part, for transmission (conveyance) of electromagnetic energytraveling (moving) through the sheath-support component 106, dispatchedtoward, or dispatched away from, the medical sheath assembly 102. Atechnical result of this arrangement is that the electromagnetic energy(which travels (moves) through the sheath-support component 106) may betransmitted from, and/or received by, the electro-anatomical mappingsystem 902 (as depicted in FIG. 1).

Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, themedical sheath assembly 102 may include any type of medical device, suchas an intravascular device, etc., and any equivalent thereof. Themedical sheath assembly 102 may include any type of intravascular devicedefining (having) a lumen, etc., and any equivalent thereof. The medicalsheath assembly 102 may be configured to be inserted (at least in part)intravascularly to guide a medical device to a target location (such asa target location positioned in the heart of the patient, etc.), and toprotect a biological wall 906 from contact with the medical device 908(the medical device 908 is moveable along the interior of the medicalsheath assembly 102 toward the biological wall 906). The biological wall906 may include, for instance, the endothelium, which is the tissue thatforms a single layer of cells lining various organs and cavities of thebody, especially the blood vessels, heart, and lymphatic vessels (theendothelium is formed from the embryonic mesoderm).

Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, thesheath-support component 106 may include (preferably) a non-metal braidmaterial configured to allow, at least in part, the movement ofelectromagnetic fields to pass (to bi-directionally pass) through thesheath-support component 106. For instance, the non-metal braid mayinclude (preferably) a PolyEtherEther-Ketone polymer (PEEK). Thesheath-support component 106 is configured to provide improved(additional) structural support for the medical sheath assembly 102. Thenon-metal braid material may include any type of interlaced structure.The sheath-support component 106 is configured to improve (at least inpart) a structural aspect or attribute of the medical sheath assembly102 (such as, the burst pressure resistance, column strength, and/ortorque transmission, etc., and any equivalent thereof). Thesheath-support component 106 may have a braid pattern that may vary.

Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, thesheath-support component 106 is configured to permit spatial tracking ofthe sensor assembly 900 by the electro-anatomical mapping system 902.The sensor assembly 900 is mounted to, for instance, the medical device908. The medical device 908 may include a catheter device, etc., and anyequivalent thereof. The sensor assembly 900 may include any type ofsensor, such as an electrode (any electrode configured to exchangeelectromagnetic-transmission signals as an arrangement for interaction),a coil, an antenna, etc., and any equivalent thereof. The sensorassembly 900 may be detected by the electro-anatomical mapping system902 while the sensor assembly 900 is positioned in the lumen 104 of themedical sheath assembly 102. The sensor assembly 900 is configured toexchange electromagnetic-transmission signals as an arrangement forinteraction.

Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, themedical sheath assembly 102 includes an exposed distal tip portion 108that is devoid of the sheath-support component 106. The exposed distaltip portion 108 is relatively softer than section of the medical sheathassembly 102 having the sheath-support component 106. The exposed distaltip portion 108 is configured to avoid harming the biological wall 906(for the case where the exposed distal tip portion 108 is moved tocontact the biological wall 906).

Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, thesheath-support component 106 (preferably) may include a non-metallicmaterial. The sheath-support component 106 may include a metallicmaterial. The sheath-support component 106 may be segmented intometallic sections and non-metallic sections (if desired). It will beappreciated that there may be types of electromagnetic waves that maypenetrate a metallic material. Relatively lower frequencies maypenetrate a metallic material. Electromagnetic waves (energy) containoscillating electrical fields and these fields may disturb the electronsin conductors and produce a penetration of an electric field into theconductor. This is called the skin effect. The longer the wavelength ofthe incident electromagnetic wave, the deeper the penetration in ametallic material. Even at low frequencies, there is a finite depth ofpenetration of electromagnetic waves in metals because they are notperfect conductors with infinite conductivity.

The following is offered as further description of the embodiments, inwhich any one or more of any technical feature (described in thedetailed description, the summary and the claims) may be combinable withany other one or more of any technical feature (described in thedetailed description, the summary and the claims). It is understood thateach claim in the claims section is an open ended claim unless statedotherwise. Unless otherwise specified, relational terms used in thesespecifications should be construed to include certain tolerances thatthe person skilled in the art would recognize as providing equivalentfunctionality. By way of example, the term perpendicular is notnecessarily limited to 90.0 degrees, and may include a variation thereofthat the person skilled in the art would recognize as providingequivalent functionality for the purposes described for the relevantmember or element. Terms such as “about” and “substantially”, in thecontext of configuration, relate generally to disposition, location, orconfiguration that are either exact or sufficiently close to thelocation, disposition, or configuration of the relevant element topreserve operability of the element within the disclosure which does notmaterially modify the disclosure. Similarly, unless specifically madeclear from its context, numerical values should be construed to includecertain tolerances that the person skilled in the art would recognize ashaving negligible importance as they do not materially change theoperability of the disclosure. It will be appreciated that thedescription and/or drawings identify and describe embodiments of theapparatus (either explicitly or inherently). The apparatus may includeany suitable combination and/or permutation of the technical features asidentified in the detailed description, as may be required and/ordesired to suit a particular technical purpose and/or technicalfunction. It will be appreciated that, where possible and suitable, anyone or more of the technical features of the apparatus may be combinedwith any other one or more of the technical features of the apparatus(in any combination and/or permutation). It will be appreciated thatpersons skilled in the art would know that the technical features ofeach embodiment may be deployed (where possible) in other embodimentseven if not expressly stated as such above. It will be appreciated thatpersons skilled in the art would know that other options may be possiblefor the configuration of the components of the apparatus to adjust tomanufacturing requirements and still remain within the scope asdescribed in at least one or more of the claims. This writtendescription provides embodiments, including the best mode, and alsoenables the person skilled in the art to make and use the embodiments.The patentable scope may be defined by the claims. The writtendescription and/or drawings may help to understand the scope of theclaims. It is believed that all the crucial aspects of the disclosedsubject matter have been provided in this document. It is understood,for this document, that the word “includes” is equivalent to the word“comprising” in that both words are used to signify an open-endedlisting of assemblies, components, parts, etc. The term “comprising”,which is synonymous with the terms “including,” “containing,” or“characterized by,” is inclusive or open-ended and does not excludeadditional, unrecited elements or method steps. Comprising (comprisedof) is an “open” phrase and allows coverage of technologies that employadditional, unrecited elements. When used in a claim, the word“comprising” is the transitory verb (transitional term) that separatesthe preamble of the claim from the technical features of the disclosure.The foregoing has outlined the non-limiting embodiments (examples). Thedescription is made for particular non-limiting embodiments (examples).It is understood that the non-limiting embodiments are merelyillustrative as examples.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for use with a sensor assemblyconfigured to receive an electromagnetic-transmission signal beingemanated from an electro-anatomical mapping system, and the sensorassembly also configured to transmit a detected signal back to theelectro-anatomical mapping system, the apparatus comprising: a medicalsheath assembly configured to be positioned in a patient, and alsoconfigured to receive the sensor assembly therein, and also configuredto convey, at least in part, the electromagnetic-transmission signalbeing emanated from the electro-anatomical mapping system toward thesensor assembly positioned within the medical sheath assembly; and themedical sheath assembly including a sheath-support component beingsympathetic, at least in part, for transmission of electromagneticenergy traveling through the sheath-support component, dispatchedtoward, or dispatched away from, the medical sheath assembly, wherein:the sheath-support component is configured to support, at least in part,an attribute of the medical sheath assembly and to provide improvementfor structural strength of the medical sheath assembly.
 2. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein: the sheath-support component configured to convey,at least in part, the electromagnetic-transmission signal being emanatedfrom the electro-anatomical mapping system through the sheath-supportcomponent and toward the sensor assembly positioned within the medicalsheath assembly.
 3. An apparatus, comprising: an electro-anatomicalmapping system configured to transmit an electromagnetic-transmissionsignal; and a sensor assembly configured to receive theelectromagnetic-transmission signal being emanating from theelectro-anatomical mapping system; and the sensor assembly alsoconfigured to transmit a detected signal back to the electro-anatomicalmapping system, in response to the sensor assembly, in use, receiving,and interacting with, electromagnetic-transmission signal provided bythe electro-anatomical mapping system, the apparatus comprising: amedical sheath assembly configured to be positioned in a patient; andthe medical sheath assembly defining a lumen extending, at least inpart, therealong; and the lumen configured to receive the sensorassembly therein, and the lumen also configured to permit movement ofthe sensor assembly along, at least in part, a length of the lumen; andthe medical sheath assembly configured to convey, at least in part, theelectromagnetic-transmission signal being emanated from theelectro-anatomical mapping system through, at least in part, the medicalsheath assembly, and toward the sensor assembly positioned within thelumen in such a way that the medical sheath assembly permits the sensorassembly to transmit the detected signal back to the electro-anatomicalmapping system; and the medical sheath assembly including asheath-support component being sympathetic, at least in part, fortransmission of electromagnetic energy traveling through thesheath-support component, dispatched toward, or dispatched away from,the medical sheath assembly.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein: thesheath-support component is positioned to the medical sheath assembly.5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein: the sheath-support component isconfigured to support, at least in part, an attribute of the medicalsheath assembly.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein: thesheath-support component is configured to convey, at least in part, theelectromagnetic-transmission signal.
 7. The apparatus of claim 5,wherein: the sheath-support component is configured to convey, at leastin part, the electromagnetic-transmission signal being emanated from theelectro-anatomical mapping system through, at least in part, thesheath-support component, and toward the sensor assembly positionedwithin the lumen in such a way that the sheath-support component permitsthe sensor assembly to transmit the detected signal back to theelectro-anatomical mapping system.
 8. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein:the medical sheath assembly includes an intravascular device.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 3, wherein: the sheath-support component includes anon-metallic material.
 10. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein: thesheath-support component is configured to permit spatial tracking of thesensor assembly by the electro-anatomical mapping system.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 3, wherein: the sheath-support component includes ametallic material.
 12. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein: the medicalsheath assembly includes an exposed distal tip portion that is devoid ofthe sheath-support component; and the exposed distal tip portion isrelatively softer than section of the medical sheath assembly having thesheath-support component.
 13. A method of utilizing anelectro-anatomical mapping system, the method comprising: utilizing theelectro-anatomical mapping system to transmit anelectromagnetic-transmission signal; utilizing a sensor assembly toreceive the electromagnetic-transmission signal being emanated from theelectro-anatomical mapping system; utilizing the sensor assembly totransmit a detected signal back to the electro-anatomical mappingsystem, in response to the sensor assembly, in use, receiving, andinteracting with, electromagnetic-transmission signal provided by theelectro-anatomical mapping system; positioning a medical sheath assemblyin a patient, in which the medical sheath assembly defines a lumenextending, at least in part, therealong, and in which the lumen isconfigured to receive the sensor assembly therein, and in which thelumen is also configured to permit movement of the sensor assemblyalong, at least in part, a length of the lumen; utilizing the medicalsheath assembly to convey, at least in part, theelectromagnetic-transmission signal being emanated from theelectro-anatomical mapping system through, at least in part, the medicalsheath assembly, and toward the sensor assembly positioned within thelumen in such a way that the medical sheath assembly permits the sensorassembly to transmit the detected signal back to the electro-anatomicalmapping system, in which the medical sheath assembly includes asheath-support component positioned to the medical sheath assembly, andin which the sheath-support component is configured to support, at leastin part, an attribute of the medical sheath assembly, and in which thesheath-support component is sympathetic, at least in part, fortransmission of electromagnetic energy traveling through thesheath-support component, dispatched toward, or dispatched away from,the medical sheath assembly; and utilizing the sheath-support componentto convey, at least in part, the electromagnetic-transmission signalbeing emanated from the electro-anatomical mapping system through, atleast in part, the sheath-support component, and toward the sensorassembly positioned within the lumen in such a way that thesheath-support component permits the sensor assembly to transmit thedetected signal back to the electro-anatomical mapping system.
 14. Themethod of claim 13, wherein: the medical sheath assembly includes anexposed distal tip portion that is devoid of the sheath-supportcomponent; and the exposed distal tip portion is relatively softer thansection of the medical sheath assembly having the sheath-supportcomponent.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein: the medical sheathassembly includes an intravascular device.
 16. The method of claim 13,wherein: the sheath-support component includes a non-metallic material.17. The method of claim 13, wherein: the sheath-support component isconfigured to permit spatial tracking of the sensor assembly by theelectro-anatomical mapping system.
 18. The method of claim 13, wherein:the sheath-support component includes a metallic material.